Freedom of speech guarantees dissent

Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 12:00 a.m.

To The Editor: This comments on the Jan. 3 letter from a couple upset about letters attacking our president. They suggest it's treasonable to write such letters.

Dictatorships, not democracies, try to stifle criticism. What U.S. law would-be used to indict someone expressing dislike for the president? Whatever problems we may have in this country, our freedom of speech works beautifully.

I learn from many sources, retaining healthy skepticism until I read several sources and hear more opinions about a topic. Having an open mind is essential for understanding our complex world.

The writers can like or dislike an elected official because of religion, but it shouldn't supplant an objective assessment to determine the best person to lead America.

None of the "9/11 group" were Iraqis or Afghans. They were mostly Saudis, not soldiers from the sovereign nation of Iraq. Yet, President Bush has consistently crafted his speeches to suggest that attacking Iraq is related to 9/11.

As to President Bush being the "most admired man in the entire world," I would need to listen to more of the world's 8 billion people to agree with that statement, but at this time I do not.

<p>To The Editor: This comments on the Jan. 3 letter from a couple upset about letters attacking our president. They suggest it's treasonable to write such letters.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Dictatorships, not democracies, try to stifle criticism. What U.S. law would-be used to indict someone expressing dislike for the president? Whatever problems we may have in this country, our freedom of speech works beautifully.</p><p>I learn from many sources, retaining healthy skepticism until I read several sources and hear more opinions about a topic. Having an open mind is essential for understanding our complex world.</p><p>The writers can like or dislike an elected official because of religion, but it shouldn't supplant an objective assessment to determine the best person to lead America.</p><p>None of the "9/11 group" were Iraqis or Afghans. They were mostly Saudis, not soldiers from the sovereign nation of Iraq. Yet, President Bush has consistently crafted his speeches to suggest that attacking Iraq is related to 9/11.</p><p>As to President Bush being the "most admired man in the entire world," I would need to listen to more of the world's 8 billion people to agree with that statement, but at this time I do not.</p><p>John Gaitskill</p><p>Hendersonville</p>